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One-Woman Show

One-Woman Show

CL contributor Mary Randolph Carter marches to her own beat— make that clang—thanks to prime pickin’ in Music City.

Photograph By Brian Woodcock

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On a recent visit to Nashville, I was stopped dead in my tracks by this hodgepodge contraption—a quirky and strange musical noisemaker. In the land of pickers and strummers, I had hooked up with the ultimate picker: Mike Wolfe, famed treasure hunter and star of History Channel’s hit show American Pickers. It was while I was meandering through the aisles of his Antique Archaeology store (antiquearchaeology.com) that I fell in love with every aspect of this wonderful one-man band—the pair of illustrated tambourines, three mini frying pans (one even adorned with a handwritten message), a cowbell, and a pair of horns. I knew I had to have it.

Then I noticed the adjacent display—a getup that once belonged to its owner, “Slim” Andrews, noted country performer, 1970s talent booker, and former owner of this unorthodox music-maker. His colorful ensemble included a red pocket bandana, turquoise bolo tie, spiffy Western-style yellow-checked shirt, and a wide-brim felt hat. Mike made me a deal I couldn’t refuse: “That one-man band is all yours—with one condition. You have to dress up in Slim’s total look and play!” Believe me, he didn’t have to ask twice. I like to say that I got this piece for a song!